Secrets of the Job Hunt

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Sales jobs in Connecticut have somehow been able to resist the gravitational pull of the economy as of late, and there are projected to be many sales positions available throughout the state, particularly for retail salespersons.

Connecticut opportunities for retail salesperson are expected to increase through 2014, with an average annual growth rate of 1.3 percent and 2,594 annual job openings. In 2004 there were 51,500 people employed as retail salespersons and that number is expected to reach 58,720 by 2014.

Retail salespersons sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances or apparel in a retail establishment. Most retail salespersons jobs require only short-term on-the-job training and employees in Connecticut can earn up to $31,450 per year.

open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as counting money, separating charge slips, coupons and vouchers, balancing cash drawers and making deposits

maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges and security practices

compute sales prices, total purchases and receive and process cash or credit payment

maintain records related to sales

watch for and recognize security risks and thefts and know how to prevent or handle these situations

recommend, select and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires

The article also notes retail salespersons should have skills such as active listening, mathematics, speaking, social perceptiveness, critical thinking, writing and judgment and decision making. Employees also should have knowledge of customer and personal service, sales and marketing, administration and management, education and training, mathematics, the English language and public safety and security.